Being in the midst of a worldwide pandemic might not seem like any sort of gift. However, the gift of the present moment is what we are always called to embrace as people of faith. Even though we have experienced upsets, challenges and loss during this past year, we must strive to see present gifts. St. Faustina Kowalska, on the very first page of her Diary, points us to the value of the present moment, saying:
When I look into the future, I am frightened, But why plunge into the future? Only the present moment is precious to me, As the future may never enter my soul at all…O present moment, you belong to me, whole and entire. I desire to use you as best I can.
Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy In My Soul (Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press, 1987), 4.
Simplicity
There is a simplicity to life this year, world-wide. Life’s normal ebb and flow is interrupted. The hustle and bustle of going to events, functions and running to activities has all but stopped. Even though this is different, it has its present gifts. Many of us spend more quality time together as household members. We cook, clean, spruce things up and go for walks. We Face Time, Zoom and are re-prioritizing our lives. Some of us realize what we will cut out of our lives going forward. Positive changes will be made for our futures.
My husband and I moved during the beginning of this pandemic. Instead of being an extra stressful event, due to the pandemic, I was acutely aware of its present gifts. Being able to remain in sweats, old jeans and tee-shirts while unpacking without interruption was a blessing. No one came to call, we did not have to go anywhere, and my husband primarily worked from home. I think about how fortunate we were to be unpacking and organizing our home day after day without obligations to be anywhere.
Be aware of the gifts around you – big and small. Cookies brought over from a friend, someone holding the door for you, etc., are kindnesses not to be overlooked. Don’t stop doing these things, either, just because there is a pandemic. Human interactions in these regards are essential. Love of neighbor is always paramount. Learn to see all the good you encounter as being from God and thank Him. And as the great “I AM”, He is God with us here in the present – including in our times of suffering.
Sunday Routine
Church routines have changed for all of us during this time, as well. The obligation to attend Catholic Mass has been lifted. Never would I have envisioned this happening, nor do I expect it in the future. While my husband and I continue to attend weekend mass, occasionally we get “shut-out”. As only a certain number of attendees can be present, we sometimes miss out on getting seats. On these occasions, we attend at another church or watch mass online. Forgetting to pre-register ourselves this past Sunday after Christmas, we watched mass live via computer. Sitting together on the couch with our dog, in our pajamas, while watching mass with our daughter was wonderful. Hopefully, we will not have to do this much more going forward. In the present, however, it has its “present gifts”.
Remember to embrace each day and be at peace with the present. This pandemic and how it continues to affect us is not a surprise to God. As Scripture says, “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Ps 30:5). Or from John, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (Jn 14:27). Or Matthew, “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself” (Mt 6:34). And, most importantly, Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Therefore, see in each day the day’s present gifts. They are different for each one of us, but with hearts and minds open to recognize them they can lift our spirits, make us smile in the moment and help us to experience peace.
